SVALBARD
POLAR CRUISE

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER SUDHIR SHIVARAM

SVALBARD POLAR CRUISE

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER SUDHIR SHIVARAM

PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife  & landscape TRIP LENGHT: 9 days DATES: May 10-18, 2020 GROUP SIZE: 8-14 guests PRICE: USD 6 400

 

Go on a cruise in the frozen archipelago around Spitsbergen, Svalbard and experience the king of the Arctic – the mighty polar bear.

Slowly we glide through the drift ice as we gaze across the white landscape looking out for the elusive polar bears. We can hear the sound of the ice-cracking below us and suddenly we  see a yellow spot on an ice sheet not too far ahead. As we get closer, the king of the Arctic lifts his head and sniffs us out in the wind. We turn off the engines and slowly drift closer as our cameras focus on the mighty polar bear surrounded by a dazzling white, icy landscape in front of us.

Take the chance to join this thrilling expedition to Svalbard with its stunning scenery and rich wildlife in a crisp winter environment. This time of the year you have the chance to capture the polar bear in its true environment – a snow-covered landscape and the birds have begun to arrive in large numbers. The bright sunny light of “Arctic night” provides great opportunities for photography in a fabulous light virtually 24 hours a day. During seven days we cruise around the amazing archipelago surrounded by dramatic glaciers, mountain peaks and moody ice-covered fjords while looking for polar bears, whales, walruses, seals and many other animals. This tour is led by India’s best-known wildlife and nature photographer Sudhir Shivaram.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Seven-day cruise in the archipelago around Spitsbergen.
  • Zodiac Excursions  to get closer to the wildlife.
  • Photograph polar bears, Arctic fox, walrus colonies and whales.
  • Capture the abundant Arctic birdlife.
  • Experience the midnight sun, which gives a lot of time for photography.
  • Svalbard’s early summer landscape with its glaciers and drift ice.
  • Personal tutoring and workshops by Sudhir Shivaram.

PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife & landscape

TRIP LENGHT: 9 days

DATES: May 10-18, 2020

GROUP SIZE: 8-14 guests

PRICE: USD 6 400

Go on a cruise in the frozen archipelago around Spitsbergen, Svalbard and experience the king of the Arctic – the mighty polar bear.

Slowly we glide through the drift ice as we gaze across the white landscape looking out for the elusive polar bears. We can hear the sound of the ice-cracking below us and suddenly we  see a yellow spot on an ice sheet not too far ahead. As we get closer, the king of the Arctic lifts his head and sniffs us out in the wind. We turn off the engines and slowly drift closer as our cameras focus on the mighty polar bear surrounded by a dazzling white, icy landscape in front of us.

Take the chance to join this thrilling expedition to Svalbard with its stunning scenery and rich wildlife in a crisp winter environment. This time of the year you have the chance to capture the polar bear in its true environment – a snow-covered landscape and the birds have begun to arrive in large numbers. The bright sunny light of “Arctic night” provides great opportunities for photography in a fabulous light virtually 24 hours a day. During seven days we cruise around the amazing archipelago surrounded by dramatic glaciers, mountain peaks and moody ice-covered fjords while looking for polar bears, whales, walruses, seals and many other animals. This tour is led by India’s best-known wildlife and nature photographer Sudhir Shivaram.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Seven-day cruise in the archipelago around Spitsbergen.
  • Zodiac Excursions  to get closer to the wildlife.
  • Photograph polar bears, Arctic fox, walrus colonies and whales.
  • Capture the abundant Arctic birdlife.
  • Experience the midnight sun, which gives a lot of time for photography.
  • Svalbard’s early summer landscape with its glaciers and drift ice.
  • Personal tutoring and workshops by Sudhir Shivaram.

DESTINATION INFO

 

DESTINATION INFO

 

SVALBARD

Halfway between Norway and the North Pole lies Svalbard archipelago. Svalbard means “cold coasts” and, as the name suggests, the climate is chilly and the average temperature in Longyearbyen varies between 6°C in summer and -14°C in the winter. 60% of Svalbard’s surface is covered by glaciers, and the ice can be up to 600 meters thick. There are more than 2100 larger and smaller glaciers on Svalbard. In Svalbard you can find a few thousand polar bears, but also arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeer that are not found anywhere else in the world. There are also great chances to experience both seals and walruses resting on the ice. In the water there are also a large number of whales, including humpback whales, blue whale and white whale. The bird enthusiasts can look out for many different species that will cross path with our ship throughout the cruise.

TOUR ITINERARY

 

TOUR ITINERARY

 

TOUR ITINERARY • May 10-18, 2020

International airfare to/from Longyearbyen, Svalbard is not included in the price as many prefer to book flights on their own. Should you wish, we will be more than happy to help you arrange all your flights.

DAY 1 – WELCOME TO LONGYEARBYEN

Arriving at Longyearbyen airport in the afternoon, you will be met by a tour leader from Zoom Photo Tours. We take a short transfer to the port to board on our waiting ship, which will be our base for the coming week. You will be welcomed by  Sudhir onboard and after getting settled in your cabins we will have a short briefing about the coming days and provide some general safety tips followed by photo tips for capturing the surroundings and wild animals. Shortly afterwards, our ship starts sailing in the icy Arctic out of Longyearbyen and our photo adventure begins.It is very important  to have your camera gear ready and this afternoon we get a first taste of the magnificent landscape awaiting us during the upcoming week. Enjoy a welcome drink on the deck surrounded by the breathtaking scenery followed by a nice welcome dinner where we get to know each other and discuss our expectations of our upcoming adventure. Since it’s midnight sun, after dinner we can get out on the deck to catch the soft evening light and the magnificent Arctic landscape. (D)

DAY 2 – DAY 8 – CRUISE AROUND SVALBARD’S ARCHIPELAGO

In the first few days we head north towards the pack ice to maximize our chances to find and photograph Svalbard’s polar bears and other wildlife. Hopefully we will also be able to capture everything from walruses and seals to whales and Arctic birds. If the weather and ice permits us, we will head out for one or more excursions with our zodiacs  every day. Slowly gliding between the ice sheets surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers whose snow sparkles in the sun is a tranquil experience that will give you plenty of unique photo opportunities. With the help of zodiacs we have the opportunity to get close to wildlife while giving us a lower angle to photograph.

If possible we will also go ashore to explore Svalbard’s surroundings on foot. The exact route of the cruise is determined by the captain and this is based on the current weather and ice conditions and of course reports of polar bears. Out on deck, Sudhir will give his best photographic advice and personal guidance while you capture the surroundings. And when we do not photograph, we will work with image editing, have photo critique sessions and other activities to develop your photography skills. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 – LONGYEARBYEN AND HOME

After breakfast, we say good bye to our crew and leave the boat with our hard drives full of incredible photos and memories for a lifetime. We then head straight to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

TOUR ITINERARY • May 10-18, 2020

International airfare to/from Longyearbyen, Svalbard is not included in the price as many prefer to book flights on their own. Should you wish, we will be more than happy to help you arrange all your flights.

DAY 1 – WELCOME TO LONGYEARBYEN

Arriving at Longyearbyen airport in the afternoon, you will be met by a tour leader from Zoom Photo Tours. We take a short transfer to the port to board on our waiting ship, which will be our base for the coming week. You will be welcomed by  Sudhir onboard and after getting settled in your cabins we will have a short briefing about the coming days and provide some general safety tips followed by photo tips for capturing the surroundings and wild animals. Shortly afterwards, our ship starts sailing in the icy Arctic out of Longyearbyen and our photo adventure begins.It is very important  to have your camera gear ready and this afternoon we get a first taste of the magnificent landscape awaiting us during the upcoming week. Enjoy a welcome drink on the deck surrounded by the breathtaking scenery followed by a nice welcome dinner where we get to know each other and discuss our expectations of our upcoming adventure. Since it’s midnight sun, after dinner we can get out on the deck to catch the soft evening light and the magnificent Arctic landscape. (D)

DAY 2 – DAY 8 – CRUISE AROUND SVALBARD’S ARCHIPELAGO

In the first few days we head north towards the pack ice to maximize our chances to find and photograph Svalbard’s polar bears and other wildlife. Hopefully we will also be able to capture everything from walruses and seals to whales and Arctic birds. If the weather and ice permits us, we will head out for one or more excursions with our zodiacs  every day. Slowly gliding between the ice sheets surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers whose snow sparkles in the sun is a tranquil experience that will give you plenty of unique photo opportunities. With the help of zodiacs we have the opportunity to get close to wildlife while giving us a lower angle to photograph.

If possible we will also go ashore to explore Svalbard’s surroundings on foot. The exact route of the cruise is determined by the captain and this is based on the current weather and ice conditions and of course reports of polar bears. Out on deck, Sudhir will give his best photographic advice and personal guidance while you capture the surroundings. And when we do not photograph, we will work with image editing, have photo critique sessions and other activities to develop your photography skills. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 – LONGYEARBYEN AND HOME

After breakfast, we say good bye to our crew and leave the boat with our hard drives full of incredible photos and memories for a lifetime. We then head straight to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

PHOTOGRAPHER

 

PHOTOTGRAPHER

 

SUDHIR SHIVARAM • Wildlife Photographer

Sudhir Shivaram is much loved, recognized and respected in wildlife photography circles not only in India but the world over. After 18 long years in the corporate world, Sudhir turned his passion for photography and teaching into his profession. Through his commercial venture, he conducts photography learning tours and workshops to numerous destinations across India and Africa. His online photography tutorials – the first of their kind in India – offer video-based photography lessons to learners anywhere, anytime.

PORTFOLIO: www.sudhirshivaram.com

 

ON LOCATION WITH SUDHIR

Our tours are always accompanied by a well-known and talented professional photographer who will guide you to the most scenic locations during the best light conditions and help you improve and expand your photographic techniques. During this tour, Sudhir Shivaram will take you to Svalbard and teach you how to turn an ordinary image into something extraordinary. He will lead photo walks near the walrus colonies, shooting images of a polar bears from distance and much more while sharing his best tips for capturing the surroundings. In the evenings, you will get help from Sudhir with the post processing of the images taken during the day or at ‘night’. Apart from talking about camera techniques to focal lengths, composition and the light in the images as well as giving lectures on conservation, Sudhir will also take a look at your photographs and give his advice while evaluating your images. There will also be a lot of time for individual conversations with Sudhir, where you have the chance to ask questions or perhaps get some help with any camera settings or equipment advice.

M/S STRØNSTAD

M/S STRØNSTAD

Welcome aboard M/S Strønstad

M/S Strønstad was built in 1955 as a local ferry and passenger ship sailing the harsh and sometimes icy waters around Lofoten and northern Norway. She was built in Norway at P. Høyvolds shipyard and refitted in 1993. Today she is equipped as a comfortable and functional expedition vessel with all passenger accommodation is in the forward half of the vessel.

The owner, Captain and crew have vast experience in the area, and are actively involved in making expeditions in harmony with nature and conservation. The crew are also great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife. The genuine interest of the crew is a necessity for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Strønstad with Norway’s unique wildlife and pristine nature is an experience of a lifetime, simply hard to beat.

The M/S Strønstad is today a beautiful and exclusive little ship carrying a maximum of just 18 passengers in outside cabins with shared toilet/shower. All cabins have upper and lower berths. She provides comfortable accommodation for 16 passengers, two guides and up to six crew. The owner and crew of the ship have long experience and are dedicated for the preservation of the unique nature and wildlife of the Far North.

 

PRICES AND FACTS

 

PRICES AND FACTS

 

PRICE 

Price per person in shared 4-bed cabin: USD  6 400
Price per person in shared 2-bed cabin: USD 6 900

 

Included:

  • Seven-day cruise around the Spitsbergen archipelago.
  • All ground transfers according to the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in shared cabin.

  • Meals according to itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Participation and workshops by Sudhir Shivaram during the trip.
  • Daily zodiac trips depending on the ice and weather.
  • Armed polar bear guards at all times.
  • English speaking expedition leader.
  • All taxes and other local fees.
  • Travel documents and other travel information.

Excluded:

  • Return flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
  • All expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
  • Tips to the boat staff.
  • Travel insurance. For details see our website.

  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

 

FLIGHTS

International airfare to Svalbard is not included in the price. Should you wish, , we will be more than happy to help you arrange all your flights. Just send an email to info@zoomphototours.com and we will respond with flight suggestions and prices.

 

GROUP SIZE

In order to for you to get personal photo guidance and the best experience with our photographer our groups are always small. On this tour the minimum and maximum number of guests are 8 / 14.

 

PHOTO GEAR

  • A DSLR camera.
  • Telephoto zoom lenses up to a 500 mm.
  • Wide angle lenses, at least 24 mm.
  • Tripod.
  • A laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.

TOUR LEADER

Apart from an award-winning photographer, our tours are always accompanied by a tour leader from Zoom with good photo knowledge. Our tour leader will handle all logistics and general matters making sure you are having the best possible experience during your journey.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For more information about Terms & Conditions click here.

 

Photos: Charlie Malmqvist, Stock agency

PRICE 

Price per person in shared 4-bed cabin: USD  6 400
Price per person in shared 2-bed cabin: USD 6 900

 

Included:

  • Seven-day cruise around the Spitsbergen archipelago.
  • All ground transfers according to the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in shared cabin.

  • Meals according to itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Participation and workshops by Sudhir Shivaram during the trip.
  • Daily zodiac trips depending on the ice and weather.
  • Armed polar bear guards at all times.
  • English speaking expedition leader.
  • All taxes and other local fees.
  • Travel documents and other travel information.

Excluded:

  • Return flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
  • All expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
  • Tips to the boat staff.
  • Travel insurance. For details see our website.

  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

FLIGHTS

International airfare to Svalbard is not included in the price. Should you wish, , we will be more than happy to help you arrange all your flights. Just send an email to info@zoomphototours.com and we will respond with flight suggestions and prices.

GROUP SIZE

In order to for you to get personal photo guidance and the best experience with our photographer our groups are always small. On this tour the minimum and maximum number of guests are 8 / 14.

PHOTO GEAR

  • A DSLR camera.
  • Telephoto zoom lenses up to a 500 mm.
  • Wide angle lenses, at least 24 mm.
  • Tripod.
  • A laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.

TOUR LEADER

Apart from an award-winning photographer, our tours are always accompanied by a tour leader from Zoom with good photo knowledge. Our tour leader will handle all logistics and general matters making sure you are having the best possible experience during your journey.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For more information about Terms & Conditions click here.

 
 

Photos: Charlie Malmqvist, Stock agency

BOOKING

 

BOOKING

 

BOOKING CONTACT

If you want to book a Zoom Photo Tour you can either give us a call, send an e-mail or use the on-line booking form and you will receive a booking confirmation right away.

CONTACT PERSON: Sanjay Ojha

ZOOM PHOTO TOURS IN INDIA: Shop No – 3, Plot No – 436, Sector – 4 • Vaishali, Ghaziabad, (Delhi NCR)  201010, India

BOOK THE TOUR BY PHONE:  +91-98 10 55 39 37 (Delhi office) SKYPE: sanjay.ojha-dyt

BOOK THE TOUR BY E-MAIL:  sanjay.ojha@zoomphototours.com